8.0 Maternal Challenges
A knowledge of the conditions or events which are linked with decreased initiation or duration of breastfeeding will help you to focus your breastfeeding assistance and education activities to those in most need.
Maternal Risk Factors
- acute or chronic disease
- maternal obesity
- hypertension during pregnancy
- intrapartum analgesics or anaesthetics
- assisted or surgical delivery of baby
- breast or nipple abnormality
- history of breast surgery or trauma
- previous breastfeeding difficulty
- persistent breast pain
- severe engorgement
- cracked/bleeding nipples
Mothers with persistent breast pain, acute or chronic disease and previous breast surgery will require ongoing management and should receive an early referral to a lactation consultant who can continue care in the community.
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![]() Don't endanger breastfeeding by delaying referral.
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This module will only cover the more common occurring problems.